An early on question I had was given that incredible focus, given that she's someone who at one point had a shaman teach her how to tuck in her aura.

Because Joni has said that when she enters a room, she receives so much stimuli that, you know, it's crazy for her.

So an early question for me was, is she neurodivergent?

Welcome to the unspeakable podcast. I'm your host, Megan Down. This week, my guest is humorist and journalist Henry Alfred. Henry has been a contributor to the New Yorker since 1998. He's the author of many books, including one that won the Thurber Prize. He's very funny. He's here to talk about something

that's a little bit different for him. And I must admit, this is an interview that I have been

anticipating for a long time. I wanted to do it earlier in the year when the book came out,

but circumstances intervened. But we are finally doing it. This is a book about Joni Mitchell.

I'm holding up the cover for those of you who are watching at home. It's called I Dream of

Joni, a portrait of Joni Mitchell in 53 snapshots. If you know anything about my work,

you know that I am not even a diehard fan of Joni Mitchell.

I'm a militant Joni Mitchell fan.

I have very particular opinions about her music, which of it is worthy of commentary, which of it is maybe best forgotten.

Her work has been tremendously important to me,

as it has been for many, many people. And that's why Henry wrote a book about her. It's a really

interesting book, the way it's put together. It's kind of part biography, part memoir,

but also a lot of analysis of her whole approach.

And this is a terrific conversation.

So I invite you to listen to it.

And again, thanks for your patience as I try to get back on track here.

Here's my conversation with Henry Alford.

Henry Alford, welcome to The Unspeakable.

Hey, thank you so much for having me.

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